Computer anti-theft system and method

• US 5,995,366 A
• Filed: 01/16/1998
• Issued: 11/30/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 01/16/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Dell Computer Corporation (Dell Technologies Inc.), Dell USA LP (Dell Technologies Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Dell USA LP (Dell Technologies Inc.)
• Inventors: Ozias, Orin M., Howell, Bryan, Jaggers, Chris, Gluskoter, Steve
• Primary Examiner(s): Picard, Leo P.
• Assistant Examiner(s): LEA EDMONDS, LISA S
• Application Number:
  US09/007,958
• Time in Patent Office: 683 Days
• Field of Search: 361/686, 361/683, 248/552, 248/553, 312/223.1, 312/223.2, 70/14, 70/57, 70/58, 70/32-34
• US Class Current: 361/679.43
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 73/0005 using chains, cables or the like chain- or cable-locks of the padlock type E05B67/003; lockable clothing hangers or hanger racks E05B69/006
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 73/0082 for office machines, e.g. PC's, portable computers, typewriters, calculators
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/16 Constructional details or arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0208 Interlock mechanisms; Means for avoiding unauthorised use or function, e.g. tamperproof
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/40 Portable
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/50 Special application

Abstract

A computer anti-theft system for use with various lock devices includes a docking device and a computer engaged with the docking device by an interconnecting lock. A handle is provided for moving the latch to disengage the computer and the docking device. A first lock receiver is provided adjacent the handle for receiving a first type of lock for limiting movement of the handle to prevent disengagement of the docking device and the computer. A second lock receiver is also provided adjacent the handle for receiving a second type of lock, different from the first type, for limiting movement of the handle to prevent disengagement of the docking device and the computer.

Claims

1. A computer anti-theft device comprising:

a docking device;

a computer engaged with the docking device by an interconnecting latch;

a handle on the docking device for moving the latch to disengage the computer and the docking device;

a first lock receiver adjacent the handle for receiving a first type of lock for limiting movement of the handle to prevent disengagement of the docking device and the computer; and

a second lock receiver, adjacent the handle for receiving a second type of lock, different from the first type, for limiting movement of the handle to prevent disengagement of the docking device and the computer.

2. The device as defined in claim 1 wherein the first lock receiver includes a housing for the docking device having an opening formed therein adjacent the handle.

3. The device as defined in claim 1 wherein the second lock receiver includes a housing for the docking device having an opening formed therethrough adjacent the handle.

4. The device as defined in claim 1 wherein the first type of lock is a cylindrical lock having a portion inserted into the first lock receiver.

5. The device as defined in claim 1 wherein the second type of lock is a padlock having a portion inserted through the second lock receiver.

6. The device as defined in claim 1 wherein the first lock receiver includes a housing for the docking device having an opening formed therein adjacent the handle, the first type of lock being a cylindrical lock having a portion inserted into the opening.

7. The device as defined in claim 1 wherein the second lock receiver includes a housing for the docking device having an extendible member mounted therein adjacent the handle, the extendible member having an opening formed therethrough, the second type of lock being a padlock having a portion inserted through the opening.

8. The device as defined in claim 1 wherein the first lock receiver includes a housing for the docking device having an opening formed therein adjacent the handle, the first type of lock being a cylindrical lock having a portion inserted into the opening and a security cable attached thereto and extending therefrom.

9. The device as defined in claim 1 wherein the second lock receiver includes a housing for the docking device having an opening formed therethrough above the handle, the second type of lock being a padlock having a portion inserted through the opening and a security cable attached thereto and extending therefrom.

10. A computer system comprising:

a microprocessor;

an input coupled to provide input to the microprocessor;

a mass storage coupled to the microprocessor;

a display coupled to the microprocessor by a video controller;

a memory coupled to provide storage to facilitate execution of computer programs by the microprocessor;

a docking device;

a computer housing engaged with the docking device by an interconnecting latch;

a handle on the docking device for moving the latch to disengage the computer housing and the docking device;

a first lock receiver adjacent the handle for receiving a first type of lock for limiting movement of the handle to prevent disengagement of the docking device and the computer; and

a second lock receiver adjacent the handle for receiving a second type of lock, different from the first type, for limiting movement of the handle to prevent disengagement of the docking device and the computer.

11. The device as defined in claim 10 wherein the first lock receiver includes a housing for the docking device having an opening formed therein adjacent the handle.

12. The device as defined in claim 10 wherein the second lock receiver includes a housing for the docking device having an opening formed therethrough above the handle.

13. The device as defined in claim 10 wherein the first type of lock is a cylindrical lock having a portion inserted into the first lock receiver.

14. The device as defined in claim 10 wherein the second type of lock is a padlock having a portion inserted through the second lock receiver.

15. The device as defined in claim 10 wherein the first lock receiver includes a housing for the docking device having an opening formed therein adjacent the handle, the first type of lock being a cylindrical lock having a portion inserted into the opening.

16. The device as defined in claim 10 wherein the second lock receiver includes a housing for the docking device having an opening formed therethrough above the handle, the second type of lock being a padlock having a portion inserted through the opening.

17. The device as defined in claim 10 wherein the first lock receiver includes a housing for the docking device having an opening formed therein adjacent the handle, the first type of lock being a cylindrical lock having a portion inserted into the opening and a security cable attached thereto and extending therefrom.

18. The device as defined in claim 10 wherein the second lock receiver includes a housing for the docking device having an opening formed therethrough above the handle, the second type of lock being a padlock having a portion inserted through the opening and a security cable attached thereto and extending therefrom.

19. A method of providing a multiple anti-theft system for computers, comprising the steps of:

engaging a computer with a docking device by an interconnecting latch;

connecting the latch to a handle movable to unlatch the computer and the docking device;

providing a first lock receiver adjacent the handle for receiving a first type of lock for limiting movement of the handle to prevent disengagement of the docking device and the computer; and

providing a second lock receiver adjacent the handle for receiving a second type of lock, different from the first type, for limiting movement of the handle to prevent disengagement of the docking device and the computer.

20. The method as defined in claim 19 wherein the step of providing a first lock receiver includes the step of forming a first opening extending into the docking device adjacent the handle, and the step of providing a second lock receiver includes the step of forming a second opening through the docking device above the handle.